Daniel Alicea was the definition of a fighter, inside the ring and outside of it. A featherweight and junior lightweight boxer, born and raised in Puerto Rico, Alicea embarked on a professional boxing journey that would see him compete against some of the most formidable opponents of his era.
Alicea's most memorable moment in the ring came on June 8, 1996, when he challenged the flamboyant and undefeated Naseem Hamed for the World Boxing Organization's World Featherweight championship at the Telewest Arena in Newcastle, England. The bout, televised in the United States on the Showtime Network, nearly resulted in a monumental upset when Alicea sent Hamed to the canvas in the first round, shocking the Sheffield native. Although Hamed recovered and stopped Alicea in the second round, the Puerto Rican fighter's valiant effort and near-victory earned him worldwide respect and admiration.
Undeterred by the setback against Hamed, Alicea continued to pursue his dreams of championship glory. He faced another formidable foe in Acelino Freitas on December 16, 2000, at the Sheffield Arena in England. Despite his best efforts, Alicea fell short again, suffering a first-round knockout at the hands of the Brazilian sensation.
Rather than allowing these defeats to define his career, Alicea persevered and captured several prestigious titles in the junior lightweight division. He proudly held the North American Boxing Organization, the World Boxing Council Continental Americas, and the North American Boxing Federation Junior Lightweight belts, cementing his status as a force to be reckoned with in the 130-pound weight class.
One of Alicea's most significant title bouts occurred on September 14, 2002, when he squared off against Nate Campbell at the Las Vegas Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. The two warriors battled for the North American Boxing Association and North American Boxing Federation Super Featherweight titles, showcasing their skills and determination in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
Alicea displayed an unwavering commitment to his craft, compiling an impressive record of 38 wins, 11 losses, and 1 draw across 50 professional contests. Among those victories, 26 came by way of knockout, a testament to his punching power and ability to dramatically end fights. Alicea demonstrated his toughness and resilience even in defeat, with only 4 of his 11 losses coming by knockout.
Beyond the ring, Alicea was a devoted husband to his wife, Frances Pagan, and a proud Camden, New Jersey resident. His strong Christian faith was a guiding light throughout his life.
Tragically, in 2016, Alicea was diagnosed with leukemia, a battle that would prove to be his most challenging yet. Despite initially achieving remission, the cancer returned in 2019, testing his resolve once more. On September 8, 2023, at the age of 50, Daniel Alicea passed away due to a brain bleed, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be remembered by boxing fans.
"The Rock" Hasim Rahman won the heavyweight championship with a massive upset 5th round KO of Lennox Lewis at Carnival City Casino in Brakpan, South Africa in 2001.
At the time of the fight, Lewis had lost only one time as a professional: a stoppage to Oliver McCall nearly seven years earlier. Rahman had two stoppage losses on his record, both of which happened somewhat recently. Odds-makers made Lewis an overwhelming favorite—as high as 20-to-1 in some sports books.
While Rahman traveled to South Africa in time to acclimate to the change in altitude, Lewis remained in Las Vegas to film a part in the 2001 film Ocean's 11 and likely arrived later than he should have, later weighing in at a career-high 253 pounds.
Lewis appeared sluggish and sleepy from the start. Though Rahman could be ponderous himself, he arrived ready to counter Lewis' predictable right hands and caught the champion a number of times in the first few rounds.
In round 5, Lewis appeared to mock Rahman and clown a bit after the challenger landed a glancing punch. Lewis pivoted near the ropes immediately afterward and Rahman timed a right hand that caught Lewis perfectly through his guard and had him flat on his back. Lewis tried to beat the count and couldn't, and a new heavyweight champion was crowned.
"No Lewis-Tyson!" Rahman said. "I kept my prayers going and did all my training. And I came up with one punch. One punch."
"This is just what happens in heavyweight boxing," Lewis said. "He hit me with a good shot. That's the situation when you get two big guys in there with right hands. He just threw a big right hand and caught me right on the chin."
Chris Byrd, AKA "Rapid Fire", was an Olympic silver medalist and two-time world heavyweight champion known for his slick boxing skills, quick reflexes, and defensive ability, which allowed him to compete effectively with much larger opponents despite his smaller natural size, he was a natural middleweight. His career included victories over Evander Holyfield, David Tua, and Vitali Klitschko. If the famous term "Brains over brawn" ever applied to any fighter, it applied to Chris Byrd. He was also nicknamed "The Slip Master" because of his defensive prowess, he was a master at slipping punches, he could make an opponent look downright foolish.
Chris Byrd
IBF Champion
Chris Byrd is one of the most unique fighters in modern heavyweight boxing history. A former IBF and WBO heavyweight champion, Byrd carved out a successful career in a division where his natural size would typically place him at a disadvantage. Known for his exceptional defensive skills, slick movement, and ring intelligence, Byrd was a master of the "hit and not get hit" philosophy, frustrating larger, stronger opponents throughout his career. Despite often being overlooked in discussions of heavyweight greats, Byrd’s career stands as a testament to the effectiveness of skill and strategy over raw power.
Early Life and Amateur Success
Christopher Cornelius Byrd was born on August 15, 1970, in Flint, Michigan, a city known for producing tough, gritty fighters. Byrd grew up in a boxing family, with his father, Joe Byrd, training him from an early age. Byrd’s amateur career was stellar, amassing a record of 275 wins and only 20 losses. He was known for his speed, technical ability, and defensive prowess, qualities that would carry him far in the professional ranks.
Byrd’s amateur career peaked when he represented the United States at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, competing as a middleweight. Though he did not win gold, Byrd's Olympic experience marked him as a fighter to watch in the professional ranks.
Professional Career and Early Struggles
Byrd made his professional debut on January 28, 1993, and quickly established himself as a slick, elusive southpaw with a talent for outboxing opponents. Despite his success, Byrd’s style was not particularly crowd-pleasing. He relied on defense, movement, and counterpunching rather than aggression and knockout power, which led to some frustration from fans and promoters alike. However, Byrd’s skills earned him a steady stream of victories, and he began rising through the heavyweight ranks despite often being the smaller man in the ring.
In 1999, Byrd won his first major title, capturing the WBO heavyweight belt by defeating Vitali Klitschko, who was forced to retire from the bout due to injury. This victory put Byrd on the map as a serious contender, but it also set up a complicated rivalry with the Klitschko brothers, who would go on to dominate the heavyweight division in the years to come.
The Klitschko Rivalry
Byrd’s rivalry with the Klitschko brothers defined much of his career. After defeating Vitali Klitschko to win the WBO title, Byrd found himself on a collision course with Vitali’s younger brother, Wladimir Klitschko, who at the time was also an emerging force in the heavyweight division. The two fought for the first time in 2000, with Wladimir dominating Byrd over 12 rounds to win a unanimous decision and claim the WBO title.
Despite the loss, Byrd’s resilience and determination kept him in the title picture. In 2002, Byrd rebounded by defeating Evander Holyfield in a unanimous decision to win the vacant IBF heavyweight title. This victory marked a turning point in Byrd’s career, as he solidified himself as one of the top heavyweights in the world.
Byrd’s reign as IBF champion lasted until 2006, during which time he successfully defended the title against top contenders such as Fres Oquendo and Jameel McCline. However, his reign came to an end in a rematch against Wladimir Klitschko in 2006. This time, Klitschko knocked out Byrd in the seventh round, cementing his dominance in the division and bringing their rivalry to a close.
Fighting Style and Approach
Chris Byrd’s style was a rarity in the heavyweight division. Standing just over 6 feet tall and weighing around 210 pounds in his prime, Byrd often found himself giving up significant size and power to his opponents. However, his slick defense, quick reflexes, and ring IQ allowed him to neutralize many of the larger, more powerful fighters he faced.
Byrd’s defensive style was rooted in his ability to make opponents miss and then counter with precision. He was a master of slipping punches, using head movement and footwork to frustrate his opponents and score points. While he lacked knockout power, Byrd’s ability to avoid damage and outbox his opponents earned him the nickname “Rapid Fire.”
Many of Byrd’s fights went the distance, as he preferred to win by decision rather than engage in slugfests. This approach earned him the respect of boxing purists but often left casual fans craving more action. Nevertheless, Byrd’s effectiveness as a defensive specialist cannot be denied.
Notable Fights and Legacy
In addition to his victories over Vitali Klitschko and Evander Holyfield, Byrd faced several other top heavyweights of his era. His 2004 fight against Andrew Golota ended in a controversial draw, with many fans feeling that Byrd had done enough to win. Byrd also fought David Tua, one of the most feared punchers of the time, in a bout where Byrd’s defensive skills once again shone through as he outboxed Tua to a unanimous decision victory.
Despite his successes, Byrd’s career was marked by a lack of recognition from the broader boxing public. His lack of knockout power, combined with his defensive style, meant that he was often overshadowed by more aggressive, power-punching heavyweights like Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, and the Klitschko brothers. However, for those who appreciated the technical side of the sport, Byrd was a master of his craft.
Byrd’s career began to wind down in the mid-2000s, and after his loss to Wladimir Klitschko in 2006, he struggled to regain his previous form. A brief, ill-fated attempt to drop down to the light heavyweight division in 2008 ended with a stoppage loss to Shaun George, and Byrd retired shortly thereafter.
Life After Boxing
Following his retirement, Byrd faced significant health challenges, including chronic pain and mobility issues stemming from years of fighting larger opponents. He was open about the toll that boxing had taken on his body, and he worked to raise awareness about the physical and mental health challenges faced by retired fighters.
Byrd has also remained involved in boxing, working as a trainer and mentor to younger fighters. His knowledge of the sport and defensive expertise has made him a valuable resource for up-and-coming boxers looking to improve their skills.
Legacy
Chris Byrd’s legacy in boxing is one of resilience, intelligence, and skill. He may not have had the size, power, or fanfare of some of his contemporaries, but his accomplishments in the heavyweight division speak for themselves. Byrd won world titles, defeated some of the best heavyweights of his era, and did so while giving up significant physical advantages to his opponents.
For boxing purists, Byrd represents the beauty of the "sweet science"—the ability to win fights with skill, strategy, and defense. His career serves as a reminder that boxing is not just about brute force but about technique and intelligence. While he may not be as celebrated as some of the heavyweight greats, Byrd’s contributions to the sport are undeniable.
Conclusion
Chris Byrd’s career may not have been filled with highlight-reel knockouts or flashy performances, but his success in the heavyweight division is a testament to his skill, determination, and defensive genius. As a two-time heavyweight champion, Byrd carved out a unique legacy in one of the most challenging weight classes in boxing, proving that brains can sometimes beat brawn in the ring.
Key Achievements:
Former IBF and WBO Heavyweight Champion
Defeated Vitali Klitschko, Evander Holyfield, and David Tua
Known for his defensive mastery and ring intelligence
Byrd’s place in boxing history is secure, not as a power puncher, but as a skilled tactician who used his mind and technique to outwit his opponents.
Chris Byrd is often overlooked in boxing history, but for those who have an understanding of the art of boxing, the technical aspect, the science, he is eye candy. His fight with the murderous punching David Tua is one of my favorite fights, Byrd put on a masterclass against a very dangerous opponent.
In what turned out to be a classic example of "styles making fights", the style of Chris Byrd was all wrong for David Tua. Byrd, the tricky - but also tough - southpaw, outboxed and outsmarted the heavy handed Tua for 12-rounds to win a well-deserved unanimous decision. This was not just a demonstration of the art of hitting and not being hit, it was also a demonstration of grit, determination, and inner strength on the part of the underdog Byrd. Tua did his best to put pressure on Byrd in every round. He dished out some heavy shots to the body, the sort of punches that weakened Hasim Rahman and led to Tua's 10th round stoppage of Rahman. But weaken Byrd? A little, yes, but not enough for Tua to be able to take control of the fight. Byrd admitted afterward that the body shots (which included some low blows) had taken a bit out of him, and he slowed down in the last two rounds, which Tua won on all three judges scorecards. But at that late stage of the fight, Tua needed to do more than win rounds - he needed to blast Byrd with big punches. And that, frankly, never looked close to happening. Even in the early rounds, when Tua was expected to be at his most dangerous, Byrd was in control of the fight. By the middle rounds, Byrd was outclassing Tua and almost playing with him. The pro-Byrd crowd that packed the New Cox Pavilion, next door to the Thomas & Mack center South of the famous Las Vegas strip, roared with delight as the southpaw knocked back Tua's head with straight lefts and, in the eighth, seemed to hurt Tua with left-hand drives to the body. Tua dropped his hands as if mocking Byrd's punching power, and sneered as if to say: "You can't hurt me." But Byrd was piling up points with his clean, accurate punching. It was obvious before the final bell that this wasn't going to be Tua's night.
Chris Byrd vs Evander Holyfield in 2002 was another great performance by the awkward, slick southpaw Byrd.
Byrd denies Holyfield title
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - Chris Byrd exposed Evander Holyfield as an aging fighter Saturday night, using his superior speed to frustrate the former champion and deny him a chance to win a heavyweight title for the fifth time.
Byrd resisted Holyfield's efforts to turn the fight into a brawl, making the 40-year-old Holyfield miss wildly throughout the fight to win a unanimous decision and the vacant IBF heavyweight title.
Even in the late rounds, Holyfield was game as desperation took hold and he threw big punches at Byrd in an effort to knock him out. But Byrd seldom let Holyfield get off a clean shot, and usually punished him with a flurry of punches in return.
In a fight that lacked the electricity and drama of most heavyweight title bouts, the left-handed Byrd threw punches from everywhere and landed many of them. Even a late rally by Holyfield that had the crowd standing on its feet after the 11th round failed to swing the tide.
"Now the world sees I can stay in there with the great heavyweights because I just beat one of them," Byrd said.
Two judges scored it 117-111 while a third had it 116-112. The Associated Press had Byrd winning 117-111.
The fight was for the IBF title that Lennox Lewis gave up rather than fight Byrd, a light-hitting former Olympic 168-pounder who likes to frustrate opponents rather than beat them up.
He did just that to Holyfield, who came in with suspect reflexes and only two wins in his last six fights.
Compubox statistics showed Byrd threw 747 punches to 344 for Holyfield, and landed 252 to 102 for the former four-time champion.
Neither fighter was down and neither was hurt, but Byrd landed far more punches and got out of the way when Holyfield tried to land a big hook or right hand.
After the fight ended, Byrd went over to Holyfield's corner and the two heavyweights who spent 12 rounds trying to hurt one another linked arms and prayed together.
"I got in there and fought for once," Byrd said. "I used my boxing skills to get around."
Holyfield was attempting to become the only fighter other than George Foreman to win a piece of the heavyweight title in his 40s. Foreman was 45 when he knocked out Michael Moorer in 1994 to win a title.
Holyfield complained to his corner after the seventh round that his shoulder was hurting, and he briefly switched to a left-handed style in the next round to throw right jabs.
"He threw more punches and he kept me off balance," Holyfield said. "I hurt my shoulder and I couldn't use my left hand. I could throw to the body, but that's it. And you know I like to throw left hooks."
Holyfield was trying to win a piece of the heavyweight title for a fifth time and put himself in line for a fight against the winner of the John Ruiz-Roy Jones Jr. WBA title fight March 1.
Even with the loss, he said his goal of winning all three major titles was still alive.
"It's still there and my goal is still to be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world," Holyfield said.
Holyfield (38-6-2) was clearly the crowd favorite in a fight that started slowly and soon developed a familiar pattern.
Whenever Holyfield caught Byrd on the ropes, the crowd would scream in delight. But many of his punches missed as Byrd dodged and darted on the ropes.
"He wasn't hurting me, but the crowd thought he was," Byrd said.
In the final two rounds, Byrd actually stood and traded punches with Holyfield despite taking a right uppercut in the 11th round that was Holyfield's best punch of the fight.
"There were so many naysayers saying I couldn't fight with these big guys," Byrd said. "I get a little more in shape, I think I can take them out."
Holyfield spent much of the early rounds throwing punches that hit nothing but air, as Byrd moved, ducked and took full advantage of the former champion's aging reflexes.
Holyfield began lunging at Byrd with his head, drawing a warning in the third round and complaints by Byrd between rounds.
"He's using his head like crazy," Byrd told his father and trainer, Joe, after the third round.
Holyfield finally cornered Byrd on the ropes in the fifth, landing a few punches to the head, then countering him with a right hand as the two exchanged punches in the middle of the ring.
"I wasn't able to be as aggressive as I would like," Holyfield said.
While the announced crowd of 8,543 roared with every Holyfield punch, but they were too few and far between.
As the rounds went on, Byrd's lead grew bigger and Holyfield's desperation became more apparent.
"You don't have any time to wait,"' trainer Don Turner told Holyfield as he stood in the corner before the 10th round.
Holyfield made $5 million for the title shot, while Byrd was paid $2.15 million, his biggest payday.
Holyfield was a 2-1 underdog, largely because he was expected to have trouble getting through Byrd's awkward style and delivering clean punches.
Holyfield never really wanted to fight Byrd, whose unorthodox style causes other fighters fits. But the lure of a fifth title proved too much, even though it was a title that Lewis sold to promoter Don King for $1 million and a Range Rover during an African tour.
Lewis, generally regarded as the top heavyweight in the world, was at ringside to watch one heavyweight he had beaten and another he didn't want to fight battle it out for the title he gave away.
Holyfield weighed 220 pounds, the second-heaviest he's been during his 45-fight career. With Byrd at 214 pounds, it was only the second time that Holyfield outweighed an opponent as a heavyweight.
“I fought a lot of them, but the hardest hitter was a guy I met right at the end of my career... George Foreman. He was just a powerful, powerful man. He wasn't too fast but his hands were so heavy — and he was extremely accurate with his combinations that night. But I wasn't a young kid when I fought Foreman, I was at the end of my career by then.”
Their clash came on January 15, 1990, in Atlantic City — a meeting between two of boxing’s most dangerous punchers. But the outcome was brutally one-sided.
The fight ended in violent fashion in round two, when Foreman unleashed a thunderous walking uppercut followed by a right hand that sent Cooney crashing to the canvas, sprawled and motionless. It was one of the most chilling knockouts of Foreman’s second career — a powerful reminder that, even at 41 years old, Big George possessed freakish power that could end a fight at any moment.
This fight was more than just another win for Foreman — it was the moment the boxing world began to take his comeback seriously. After a 10-year retirement and mounting skepticism, Foreman's performance against Cooney reignited belief that he could still hang with the best. Just four years later, at age 45, he'd go on to shock the world by knocking out Michael Moorer to reclaim the heavyweight title.
"He gave me a helluva fight. He deserves a return fight if he wants it." said world heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano after his thrilling, come-from-behind 15-round decision over game, undaunted Ezzard Charles in a savage scrap at Yankee Stadium in 1954.
"I want him again," snarled the battered, unfazed 32-year-old Charles. "I thought I won. I think I came closer to knocking him out than he did me. The next time it will be different."
The lean Cincinnati Cobra, who failed for the second time in an attempt to became the first ex-champion to regain the heavyweight crown, may get his chance in September.
"Charles is entitled to the return," said Al Weill, manager of the all-conquering Brockton Bruiser. "It was a great show and a great fight."
"It was as tough as my first fight with Jersey Joe Walcott, maybe tougher," said the 30-year-old unbeaten Marciano, who went 15 rounds for the first time in his career.
"So much has happened to me that nothing reaIIy affects me anymore. No matter what happens in Iife, if I'm not dying, what the f*** difference is any of this reaIIy gonna make to me? PeopIe have tattoos of me, name their children after me, which is great, and I'm very humbIed by that, but in the end, what's the difference in my Iife because of that? Nothing, I stiII gotta go on every day, or there's no food or heating in my house." - Vinny Paz
Johnny Risko, "The Cleveland Rubber Man," Heavyweight Contender. Don't let that smile fool you - Risko fought from 1922 - 1940, 120 fights, against anything and everything they put in front of him. He has one of the coolest nicknames in sports history, he was nicknamed that because of his ability to hellish punishment and still keep coming forward, punches just seemed to bounce off of him like rubber. He was also nicknamed "Baker Boy" because he was an actual Baker in Cleveland before becoming a boxer. He arrived in Cleveland at the age of 6 and attended school until he was 8 at which time he began working at a bakery. A friend eventually introduced the "Baker Boy" to "Dapper Danny" Dunn who became his trainer and manager. Risko soon became a local hero. I have to say, it's a disgrace Risko isn't in the Hall of Fame, his resume is outstanding. He fought 12 different Hall of Famers during his career, beating 7 of them. During his career, he beat Paul Berlenbach, Max Baer, Jack Sharkey, Paulino Uzcudun, Tommy Loughran twice, Jack Delaney, George Godfrey, and Mickey Walker. He has wins over every single one of those fighters and he's not in the Hall of Fame. That's a disgrace and a joke. In his fourth professional bout, Risko injured his right shoulder and from then on he counted on his aggressive style, competitiveness, and devastating left hook to win fights, he could also be a quite clever boxer.
Unfortunately there's no fight film of Johnny Risko, the only footage of Risko is a very poor quality short sparring session video. It's a shame because I would love to see "The Cleveland Rubber Man" in action.
A photo of Risko jabbing Jack Sharkey and pinning him in the corner. "The Boston Gob" Jack Sharkey was a great fighter, one of the most technically sound boxers in heavyweight history.
On June 25, 1948 Joe Louis and “Jersey” Joe Walcott fought for the 2nd time in what many boxing historians and boxing writers refer to as Joe Louis’s last great fight. Joe Louis, “The Brown Bomber”, was attempting to avenge his disappointing and embarrassing victory over “Jersey” Joe Walcott on December 5, 1947. Many people thought that Louis had lost that fight, in which he was knocked down twice, and was awarded the decision for sentimental reasons. Louis in fact was so distraught that he attempted to leave the ring before the decision was announced, believing himself that he had lost the fight. Louis, by this stage of his career, had achieved legendary status in America and his popularity crossed racial lines.
Walcott and the boxing public demanded a rematch after Louis’s disappointing performance in the first fight. Louis, a very proud man, was only too happy to oblige. He wanted to make things right, not only for himself but for what he believed he owed to his legions of fans. On June 25, 1948 “Jersey” Joe Walcott challenged Joe Louis again for the Heavyweight Championship of the world. 42,000 boxing fans descended on Yankee Stadium to see if Louis could somehow recapture that old magic. Louis had the reputation of being invincible in rematches. When the fight started it was clear that the “Brown Bomber” was more focused and determined than in the first fight with “Jersey” Joe. Even so, Walcott scored a quick knockdown with his sneaky quick right hand lead in the 3rd round. Louis continued to pursue his pesky challenger, still unable to pull the trigger and deliver a meaningful blow that would slow Walcott down. As the rounds progressed, Walcott built up a lead on the scorecards, but still there was a feeling in the air that Louis would ultimately close the gap and deliver his famous KO punches as he had done so many times before. In the eleventh round Walcott, who had become cocky after the first fight, both with his comments and with his actions, began to mix it up with Louis. Walcott’s corner, aware that this was a dangerous route for him to take, had warned him against attempting to slug it out with the “Brown Bomber”. Finally Walcott made that one mistake, allowing Louis to land a terrific right hand to the jaw. “Jersey” Joe’s senses appeared to be short circuited by that right hand. You sensed when watching this that after Louis landed his first right hand it was all over for Walcott. Louis moved in and began raining in punch after devastating punch to “Jersey” Joe’s body and head. Walcott fell to the canvas and Louis shuffled back to his corner, as he had done countless times before, knowing his opponent was not going to beat the count. The victory for Louis was as satisfying as any of his previous victories. The film footage in Joe Louis’s dressing room after the fight is priceless. Mannie Seamon, Joe’s trainer, jokingly tells Joe that he got Walcott with his own left hook. Louis, always quick with a quip, chuckles and says that his right hand was pretty good as well. Louis would retire shortly after the fight with Walcott with a record of sixty one wins and one loss, which he had suffered twelve years prior in the first Schmeling fight. Of the sixty victories Joe scored, fifty two came by way of KO. This is the Joe Louis that boxing fans prefer to remember, before he was forced out of retirement due to financial problems with the IRS. The fight with Walcott was indeed Joe Louis’ last great fight.
Louis vs Walcott II was indeed Joe Louis' last great fight, it is a thing of beauty watching Louis methodically stalk his opponents, looking for that opening, and the unleashing hell. Louis is the greatest puncher this sport has ever known.
"You hit Oscar Bonavena and it's like giving food to a hungry man or electricity to a bulb. A punch to any part of Bonavena's body generates his desire to go on charging, punching and asking for more, and that is, believe me, discouraging. This, mule of a man violates in his own peculiar way, the most basic of boxing. He doesn't follow at all the 'I-hit-you-you-don't-hit-me' rationale. His philosophy seems to be, 'You hit me and I hit you, let's see who falls first. The trouble with Bonavena is that getting hit doesn't concern him at all; to the contrary, it appears as if your punches give him energy. So his theory is more; 'Hit me and you generate my power, then I give you pain." - Jose Torres
Oscar "Ringo" Bonavena is another one of boxing's most interesting characters. He was nicknamed "Ringo" because early in his career he had a haircut like Ringo Starr, the famous drummer for The Beatles. Bonavena lived a wild life, he lived fast and died young. He was shot and killed at 33 years old at the Mustang Ranch brothel in Nevada in 1976. His career featured hard-fought battles against legends like Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali, and a volatile public life that mirrored his wild fighting style, ending in a dramatic death linked to the brothel's owner. The quote by Jose Torres in the above post is very accurate, Bonavena was a brutal man in the ring, extremely powerful. He was also called "The Bull", Bonavena earned that nickname for his mauling, hard-hitting style and ability to take punches, getting hit didn't seem to bother him, rather it fueled him. I've watched plenty of footage of Bonavena and he reminds you of a charging bull, I imagine his opponents felt like Matadors trying to deal with him, Bonavena was a rough customer, he was built like a tank, he was an exceptionally tough boxer, famous for going the distance in two hard-fought fights with Joe Frazier. Bonavena is best remembered for two grueling battles with Joe Frazier and for his 15th-round TKO loss to Muhammad Ali in 1970, where Ali was quoted as saying he'd never "wanted to whup a man so bad. " He was also known for his volatile personality and psychological warfare, even taunting Ali before their fight by calling him a racial slur and other insults. He had a reputation for living life on the edge, flying planes without a license, and having a boorish personality that sometimes led to trouble outside the ring. Bonavena was shot and killed at the Mustang Ranch brothel in Reno, Nevada, after a heated dispute with the brothel's owner, Joe Conforte, possibly stemming from a suspected affair with Conforte's wife. A security guard was convicted of manslaughter for the shooting, receiving a 15-month sentence. Despite a relatively short career, Bonavena remains a legendary figure in Argentine boxing history, remembered as a wild, brave, and larger-than-life character whose life and death were as dramatic as his fights.
Bonavena was a handful for anyone that stepped in the ring with him, he fought Joe Frazier twice and went the distance both times, he went a total of 25 rounds with Frazier.
In their first fight in 1966, the unbeaten Joe Frazier escaped disaster and survived two early knockdowns to defeat Bonavena by 10 round split decision at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Frazier predictably came forward to open the fight, but Bonavena caught him and sent him to the canvas before anyone could even settle into the fight in round 2. Frazier got up and was clipped again, going down once more. The fight would have been automatically stopped had Frazier hit the canvas again, but he recovered and survived the round.
The popular narrative of the fight is that Frazier was lucky to survive and struggled throughout. But the truth is round 2 was Bonavena's chance to change history and he blew it. Frazier took a round or so to recover and then went to work on Bonavena.
Bonavena's awkwardness, his rough charging, wild swinging style, gave Frazier issues in most rounds, but Frazier overcame early trouble to win a deserved decision. The knockdowns are what most boxing fans remember, however because it was a rare sight to see Frazier on the deck, but like I said before, Bonavena was rough.
Oscar Bonavena fought Muhammad Ali in 1970, Ali won the fight, memorably scoring a last round stoppage, it was the only time in Bonavena's career he was stopped. But Bonavena's clowning got under the skin of "The Greatest."
As both fighters were at Madison Square Garden for their physicals ahead of the fight, Bonavena trash talked Ali and made faces at him. One of the moments in particular is immortalized with a statue of Bonavena making the face at Ali, the statue sits in the stands in the Club Atlético Huracán futbol stadium in Buenos Aires.
The fight between Bonavena and Ali was a great battle, fight of the year stuff, Bonavena really roughed Ali up and gave him hell, but Ali isn't called "The Greatest" for nothing.
The Fight City
Dec. 7, 1970: Ali vs Bonavena
By: Robert Portis
You can take issue with his politics, label him a braggart and a loudmouth, make an inventory of all the lucky breaks he got, and even insist the Sonny Liston fights were fixed and his wins over Norton, Young and Shavers were gift decisions. But what you can never do is question the competitive spirit and fighting heart of Muhammad Ali. In 1970 there was only one reason for the undefeated former champ to dare to take on iron-tough Oscar Bonavena after just a single fight in almost four years, and that was to prove to the world that he was — despite the many months of inactivity and the widespread recognition of Joe Frazier as boxing’s new heavyweight champ — still the king, still “The Greatest.”
In his first bout after a 40 month layoff, Ali defeated Jerry Quarry.
At his peak, before he refused to be drafted into the military and was forced into exile, Ali was a heavyweight boxer of extraordinary quickness and agility, but when he returned to action in 1970, much of that quickness was gone. But his competitive instincts were not the least bit inhibited. Consider that Ali’s very first match after a layoff of more than forty months was against Jerry Quarry, the top contender for the title, a skilled counterpuncher with a deadly left hook. Ali looked sharp in the opening round in Atlanta, but as early as the second the effects of his long absence from the ring surfaced as the pace slowed and Ali’s timing lagged. It may have been fortunate for Ali that Quarry sustained a cut in round three that was so deep the match was immediately halted.
Meanwhile the behind-the-scenes struggle to fully restore Ali’s right to ply his trade continued and indeed a court order had to be secured before “The Louisville Lip” could lace up the gloves and battle Bonavena in New York’s Madison Square Garden, just six weeks after the win over Quarry. Again, there was no urgent reason for Ali to take this fight. He could have bided his time, beat up a soft touch or two to get himself back into peak condition, and let the anticipation build for the huge showdown to come with Joe Frazier.
But Ali was a warrior, and no one had given Frazier a tougher battle than Bonavena. And it’s important to remember that for many, Ali was still the true champion. After all, he was still undefeated. Facing anything less than genuine threats, legit top contenders, would have undermined his claim to being the rightful ruler of the heavyweights. Quarry had been, at worst, the number two contender in the world. Bonavena was a few notches lower, but he had given Frazier a pair of tough battles, even knocking Joe down in their first clash in 1966. Ali’s intent was clear: a dominant victory over Bonavena would bolster the argument that he was the true heavyweight king.
Easier said than done, however. The Argentinian strongman may have been crude, but he was tough and powerful, and completely unintimidated by the boxer he insisted on calling “Clay.” In addition to having given Frazier two tough scraps, he had gone the distance with Jimmy Ellis, beaten two past opponents of Ali in Karl Mildenberger and Zora Folley, and boasted a win over highly regarded Leotis Martin. Simply put, Bonavena was dangerous. Even so, the odds-makers saw him as a six-to-one underdog, but the match had enough intrigue to bring a near sell-out crowd to Madison Square Garden and make the turnstiles sing at some 150 closed-circuit theaters.
For Bonavena’s part, he wasn’t the least bit impressed by all the hoopla and attention and when the fighters held court with the press, Ali, to his surprise, found himself on the defensive in terms of pre-fight trash talk. The Argentinian mocked him incessantly, calling him a “chicken” for refusing to be drafted, while continually chirping, “Clay! Clay!” None of this was a stretch for Oscar, an insufferably arrogant pugilist who refused to listen to trainers and enjoyed abusing sparring partners. Clearly taken aback, Ali announced he had never wanted so badly to punish an opponent and predicted “Ringo,” who had never been stopped, would succumb by round nine.
But if admirers of “The Louisville Lip” were hoping to once again see the balletic, swiftly moving Ali who had dazzled Sonny Liston and then eight consecutive title challengers before his championship was taken from him, they were no doubt dismayed. This was the new, post-exile version of Ali: markedly slower, heavier on his feet, and, at times, there to be hit. So turgid was his performance in the early going that ringside commentator Howard Cosell could not hide his disappointment. “No sign yet of the Ali skills,” moaned a nostalgic Howard at the end of round one, adding, “the old Ali skills.”
Bonavena is warned in round one to keep his punches up.
In retrospect, no one should have been surprised this was the case. Three-and-a-half years away from serious training and competition had to take its toll, but if it was easy to visualize the Ali of 1965 bewildering Bonavena with constant movement and blazing speed, the 1970 version allowed for plenty of action, just of a different stripe. Instead of kinetic brilliance, Ali vs Bonavena offered fans an entertaining heavyweight donnybrook, with plenty of rough stuff and both men taking their share of punishment. It defied expectations and it had its lulls, but it certainly was not lacking for action.
It took a couple of rounds for the proceedings to get underway in earnest, but by round three a surprisingly flat-footed Ali had warmed up and was letting his hands go, while Ringo paused just long enough from attempts to nail his opponent in the groin to throw some wild right hands at Ali’s head. The pace quickened in the fourth with both getting home cleaner blows, and for the first time Ali absorbed one of Oscar’s looping rights flush on the chin, a predictable result of Ali’s former cat-like reflexes and unceasing movement being conspicuously absent. That said, Bonavena had yet to win a round.
Perhaps aware he was failing to fulfill expectations, in the fifth Ali began to dance, but the footwork of 1970 was a pale imitation of the astonishing moves he had busted in years past, and not swift enough to evade all of Bonavena’s crude attacks. Seemingly bored and looking to spice things up, Muhammad landed a series of desultory body jabs before Oscar made him pay for his nonchalance with a solid left hook to the chops just before the bell.
“Ali simply does not look good,” wailed Cosell.
In round six Muhammad gave the crowd more dancing, albeit in a sluggish style, but this was the first round which Oscar unequivocally won, as he landed virtually all of the meaningful blows. Ali rebounded in the seventh as the fighters traded at close quarters, his left hand snapping Bonavena’s head back repeatedly, but the eighth was grueling warfare, the Argentinian working to get inside as Ali struggled to keep him at bay, timely clinching his chief mode of defense, in addition to his sturdy chin.
Then came the ninth, the round Ali had promised would be the last, the crowd coming alive, hoping for something remarkable. It began with Ali slipping to the canvas as he threw a left hook, and then the fireworks came, not from Ali, but from “Ringo,” as he landed a series of thudding shots to the head that clearly hurt “The Greatest.” A toe-to-toe slugfest ensued: Bonavena was stunned by a left uppercut that snapped his head back and Ali came on, launching one big shot after another, before the Argentinian then connected with the best punch of the battle thus far, a vicious left hook to the jaw that turned Ali’s legs to jelly. The former dancing master clinched and wrestled to avoid further punishment and was grateful to hear the bell.
The awkward “Ringo” tests Ali’s chin.
Ali would later recall this moment to authors Felix Dennis and Don Atyeo for their 2003 book, Muhammad Ali: The Glory Years: “In that ninth round I got hit by a hook harder than Frazier could ever throw,” recalled Ali. “Numb! Like I was numb all over. Shock and vibrations is all I felt, that’s how I knew I was alive. Even my toes felt the vibrations.”
And yet it was Ali who appeared the fresher man in round ten and he took the round handily, even as Cosell orated unceasingly on his disappointment with his performance. “Where is the old head-slipping of punches? Where is that movement … the rapier-like left jab?” No one, it seemed, was appreciating Ali’s stamina as he continued to set a swift pace in round eleven, nor did he receive credit for his astonishing durability as Bonavena landed some of his heaviest artillery in this round and Ali immediately answered back with his own shots.
In round twelve the pace slowed but there was still no lack of action as the heavyweights stayed largely at ring center and slung leather, Ali connecting with the cleaner blows. By this point it was clear Bonavena needed a knockout to win, but on the rare occasions he could corner his man or get inside, Ali clinched to bring the action to a halt. And while both men were tiring, it was in fact Ali’s punches which had more snap.
Indeed, Ali’s stamina was something to behold, as he began round fourteen up on his toes and circling the ring. But now the crowd was booing the lack of excitement as the match appeared headed to a lopsided and anti-climactic points win for Ali. But “The Greatest” had saved the best for last. Midway through round fifteen he caught Bonavena coming in with a perfectly timed left hook, flush on the chin, and the Argentinian tumbled to the floor.
Oscar rose but that single blow, with all of Ali’s 212 pounds behind it, had drained what was left of Bonavena’s resolve. No doubt aware the three knockdown rule was in effect, Ali then refused to go to a neutral corner and pounced on a noodle-legged Bonavena the second he arose. Two more knockdowns followed and the match was automatically over, Ali becoming the first, and only, man to ever defeat the incredibly tough Argentinian inside the distance.
A dazed Bonavena tries in vain to stay upright.
It had been a grueling, though largely one-sided battle, and in retrospect all the criticism of Muhammad Ali’s performance was vastly unfair. Bonavena may not have been in Ali’s class in terms of skill, but he remained a dangerous fighter, powerful and tough. For Ali to withstand his challenge and fight on into the championship rounds with as much energy as he did, and at a pace that puts to shame most heavyweight matches of recent vintage, is tribute to his athletic gifts and fighting spirit. Indeed, taking into consideration the long layoff and Bonavena’s proven ruggedness and strength, this has to stand as one of Ali’s most gutsy and impressive performances.
Indeed, it was good enough to prompt the Argentinian to briefly put aside his habitual arrogance to give credit where it was due. “I strong,” he told Ali, “but you stronger. Frazier never win you.” He then announced that his conqueror was definitely “no chicken.”
The end of the battle.
And if Ali did in fact disappoint those with visions in their head of “The Greatest” resurrecting the extraordinary athletic prowess of his younger, pre-exile self, that disappointment affected not at all the massive, worldwide anticipation for what was to follow. The stage was set; there was no need for further preliminaries. Now it was time for nothing less than the most-watched sporting event in human history, the first clash in a legendary rivalry, that monumental battle between undefeated champions for the undisputed heavyweight crown. Time for Ali vs Frazier, Part One, “The Fight Of The Century.” — Robert Portis
This is one of the great boxing photos right here, Bonavena launching a brutal right hand that catches Ali right at his throat, just look where that punch landed.
Hilton Edward "Eddie" Booker, was more than just a boxer—he was a feared force of nature who dominated an era but never received the spotlight he deserved. Fighting in the 1930s and 1940s, Booker was a member of the legendary "Murderers' Row," a group of extraordinary black boxers whose talent was so feared that many top fighters of the time actively avoided facing them.
Nicknamed “Black Dynamite, ” by all accounts, Booker was a complete fighter, one who could bang or box depending on the situation. And he did both well. He had exceptional defensive skills and a rock-solid chin to go with it. He was never stopped, despite fighting the best fighters of his day.
Booker's record speaks volumes about his brilliance: 66 wins, 5 losses, and 8 draws, including legendary bouts with some of boxing’s greatest names. He battled Holman Williams to a stalemate in their trilogy, knocked out the iconic Archie Moore—becoming the first man to do so—and fought titans like Lloyd Marshall, Cocoa Kid, and Jack Chase. Despite these feats, like every member of Murderers' Row, he was denied a shot at the world title due to racial barriers in the sport.
Even Archie Moore, one of the greatest champions in boxing history, held Booker in the highest regard, calling him a “fighting machine” and recalling their clashes as some of the toughest of his career. Moore once said, “When I was in my prime, one of my toughest fights had to have been against Eddie Booker, who shot out punches with deft precision. He had me fighting for dear life.”
Booker’s career was tragically cut short due to an eye injury, worsened by an opponent’s doctored glove—which left him blind later in life. Still, his legacy endures, cemented by his posthumous induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2017.
Eddie Booker’s story is one of resilience, unrecognized greatness, and fighting against the odds—both in the ring and in life. Despite the injustices he faced, his name stands tall among the legends of boxing.
I've been searching ebay for literally years, looking for a photo of Eddie Booker to purchase, and nothing has surfaced. Only a handful of known photos even exist of him, it's a shame because he's an all-time great and absolute legend in boxing history and I would love to own a type 1 photo or something. Any kind of collectibles of the murderers' row fighters is extremely rare and difficult to find. This is a photo of Eddie Booker on the left, talking with Fred Apostoli, "The fighting Bellhop", an all-time great middleweight himself. A lot of greatness in this photo, that's for sure.
Tyson Fury licks the blood from Deontay Wilder's neck.
In their February 22, 2020 heavyweight showdown, Tyson Fury dominated Deontay Wilder throughout the fight, never allowing Wilder to get his deadly right hand off. Fury scored two knockdowns and opened up a cut inside Wilder's ear that began to bleed. In the 7th round, Fury pinned Wilder in the corner and during a clinch, he savagely licked blood from Wilder's neck. Wilder's team threw in the towel not long after.
Ben Villaflor, iron chinned, heavy handed jr. lightweight, super featherweight champion, fought from 1966 to 1976.
THE PHILIPPINE HAWAIIAN
“When I was 13, I worked on a rubber plantation in the Philippines. I woke up at 5 o’clock in the morning, walked two miles to work, and only earned 15 pesos per month. When I started boxing, I scored a knockout in my first fight. I earned 20 pesos. Twenty pesos for three minutes of work! I decided, I like this job!” - Ben Villaflor
He was a buzzsaw southpaw born in the Philippines who boxed mostly out of Hawaii and made his mark in the early 1970’s. He was a boy wonder who could punch like hell. That power would make him a two time world champion. He was born in November of 1952 and turned pro in 1966. Do the math. He won his first twelve professional contests but then lost a pair of decisions to Roger Boy Pedrano. Although he won most of his fights after that, an occasional loss spotted his record.
Ben made his move in 1970 with a KO over highly regarded Don Johnson. In 1971 he halted former featherweight title challenger Raul Cruz in the tenth. In 1972 he stopped another featherweight challenger in rugged Frankie Crawford. He also took out the respected Jose Luis Lopez in two rounds. On April 25, 1972 Villafor outscored Alfredo Marcano to win the WBA junior lightweight championship. Ben was only 19 years old at the time.
He had a tough first defense with a disputed draw against the talented and capable Victor Echegary. In 1973 he lost the title to the slick Kuniaki Shibata. Seven months later Ben met Shibata again. This time he flattened Shibata in one round to regain the title. In 1974 he drew with the hard luck Apollo Yoshio and he blasted out future champion Yasutsune Uehara in the second. Successful defences against Korea’s Hyun Chi Kim (SD 15) and Japan’s Morito Kashiwaba (KO 13) followed.
In 1976 Ben drew with the clever Puerto Rican challenger Samuel Serrano. Six months later Serrano soundly outboxed Villaflor over fifteen rounds to win by unanimous decision to become champion. Without a title and with no more horizons to conquer, Ben retired, one month shy of his 24th birthday.
“I was forced to retire from boxing when I was 24 because of my elbow. It shattered from hitting too hard. The doctor told me, ‘If you keep fighting, later you will have no elbow.’ It was a hard decision to quit.”
“My first job after boxing was selling cars. It was a hard job because I couldn’t lie. I would say, This car is no good!”
Nowadays Villaflor is the Sergeant At Arms for the Hawaii State Senate, a position to which he is appointed by a vote of the Senate each year.
He squeezed in 68 pro bouts into his short but fabled career. His final ledger 56-6-6 stands at with 31 career KO’s. Ben Villaflor was the Manny Pacquaio of his time.
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Music break.
Daniel Alicea was the definition of a fighter, inside the ring and outside of it. A featherweight and junior lightweight boxer, born and raised in Puerto Rico, Alicea embarked on a professional boxing journey that would see him compete against some of the most formidable opponents of his era.
Alicea's most memorable moment in the ring came on June 8, 1996, when he challenged the flamboyant and undefeated Naseem Hamed for the World Boxing Organization's World Featherweight championship at the Telewest Arena in Newcastle, England. The bout, televised in the United States on the Showtime Network, nearly resulted in a monumental upset when Alicea sent Hamed to the canvas in the first round, shocking the Sheffield native. Although Hamed recovered and stopped Alicea in the second round, the Puerto Rican fighter's valiant effort and near-victory earned him worldwide respect and admiration.
Undeterred by the setback against Hamed, Alicea continued to pursue his dreams of championship glory. He faced another formidable foe in Acelino Freitas on December 16, 2000, at the Sheffield Arena in England. Despite his best efforts, Alicea fell short again, suffering a first-round knockout at the hands of the Brazilian sensation.
Rather than allowing these defeats to define his career, Alicea persevered and captured several prestigious titles in the junior lightweight division. He proudly held the North American Boxing Organization, the World Boxing Council Continental Americas, and the North American Boxing Federation Junior Lightweight belts, cementing his status as a force to be reckoned with in the 130-pound weight class.
One of Alicea's most significant title bouts occurred on September 14, 2002, when he squared off against Nate Campbell at the Las Vegas Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. The two warriors battled for the North American Boxing Association and North American Boxing Federation Super Featherweight titles, showcasing their skills and determination in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
Alicea displayed an unwavering commitment to his craft, compiling an impressive record of 38 wins, 11 losses, and 1 draw across 50 professional contests. Among those victories, 26 came by way of knockout, a testament to his punching power and ability to dramatically end fights. Alicea demonstrated his toughness and resilience even in defeat, with only 4 of his 11 losses coming by knockout.
Beyond the ring, Alicea was a devoted husband to his wife, Frances Pagan, and a proud Camden, New Jersey resident. His strong Christian faith was a guiding light throughout his life.
Tragically, in 2016, Alicea was diagnosed with leukemia, a battle that would prove to be his most challenging yet. Despite initially achieving remission, the cancer returned in 2019, testing his resolve once more. On September 8, 2023, at the age of 50, Daniel Alicea passed away due to a brain bleed, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be remembered by boxing fans.
"The Rock" Hasim Rahman won the heavyweight championship with a massive upset 5th round KO of Lennox Lewis at Carnival City Casino in Brakpan, South Africa in 2001.
At the time of the fight, Lewis had lost only one time as a professional: a stoppage to Oliver McCall nearly seven years earlier. Rahman had two stoppage losses on his record, both of which happened somewhat recently. Odds-makers made Lewis an overwhelming favorite—as high as 20-to-1 in some sports books.
While Rahman traveled to South Africa in time to acclimate to the change in altitude, Lewis remained in Las Vegas to film a part in the 2001 film Ocean's 11 and likely arrived later than he should have, later weighing in at a career-high 253 pounds.
Lewis appeared sluggish and sleepy from the start. Though Rahman could be ponderous himself, he arrived ready to counter Lewis' predictable right hands and caught the champion a number of times in the first few rounds.
In round 5, Lewis appeared to mock Rahman and clown a bit after the challenger landed a glancing punch. Lewis pivoted near the ropes immediately afterward and Rahman timed a right hand that caught Lewis perfectly through his guard and had him flat on his back. Lewis tried to beat the count and couldn't, and a new heavyweight champion was crowned.
"No Lewis-Tyson!" Rahman said. "I kept my prayers going and did all my training. And I came up with one punch. One punch."
"This is just what happens in heavyweight boxing," Lewis said. "He hit me with a good shot. That's the situation when you get two big guys in there with right hands. He just threw a big right hand and caught me right on the chin."
Chris Byrd, AKA "Rapid Fire", was an Olympic silver medalist and two-time world heavyweight champion known for his slick boxing skills, quick reflexes, and defensive ability, which allowed him to compete effectively with much larger opponents despite his smaller natural size, he was a natural middleweight. His career included victories over Evander Holyfield, David Tua, and Vitali Klitschko. If the famous term "Brains over brawn" ever applied to any fighter, it applied to Chris Byrd. He was also nicknamed "The Slip Master" because of his defensive prowess, he was a master at slipping punches, he could make an opponent look downright foolish.
Chris Byrd
IBF Champion
Chris Byrd is one of the most unique fighters in modern heavyweight boxing history. A former IBF and WBO heavyweight champion, Byrd carved out a successful career in a division where his natural size would typically place him at a disadvantage. Known for his exceptional defensive skills, slick movement, and ring intelligence, Byrd was a master of the "hit and not get hit" philosophy, frustrating larger, stronger opponents throughout his career. Despite often being overlooked in discussions of heavyweight greats, Byrd’s career stands as a testament to the effectiveness of skill and strategy over raw power.
Early Life and Amateur Success
Christopher Cornelius Byrd was born on August 15, 1970, in Flint, Michigan, a city known for producing tough, gritty fighters. Byrd grew up in a boxing family, with his father, Joe Byrd, training him from an early age. Byrd’s amateur career was stellar, amassing a record of 275 wins and only 20 losses. He was known for his speed, technical ability, and defensive prowess, qualities that would carry him far in the professional ranks.
Byrd’s amateur career peaked when he represented the United States at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, competing as a middleweight. Though he did not win gold, Byrd's Olympic experience marked him as a fighter to watch in the professional ranks.
Professional Career and Early Struggles
Byrd made his professional debut on January 28, 1993, and quickly established himself as a slick, elusive southpaw with a talent for outboxing opponents. Despite his success, Byrd’s style was not particularly crowd-pleasing. He relied on defense, movement, and counterpunching rather than aggression and knockout power, which led to some frustration from fans and promoters alike. However, Byrd’s skills earned him a steady stream of victories, and he began rising through the heavyweight ranks despite often being the smaller man in the ring.
In 1999, Byrd won his first major title, capturing the WBO heavyweight belt by defeating Vitali Klitschko, who was forced to retire from the bout due to injury. This victory put Byrd on the map as a serious contender, but it also set up a complicated rivalry with the Klitschko brothers, who would go on to dominate the heavyweight division in the years to come.
The Klitschko Rivalry
Byrd’s rivalry with the Klitschko brothers defined much of his career. After defeating Vitali Klitschko to win the WBO title, Byrd found himself on a collision course with Vitali’s younger brother, Wladimir Klitschko, who at the time was also an emerging force in the heavyweight division. The two fought for the first time in 2000, with Wladimir dominating Byrd over 12 rounds to win a unanimous decision and claim the WBO title.
Despite the loss, Byrd’s resilience and determination kept him in the title picture. In 2002, Byrd rebounded by defeating Evander Holyfield in a unanimous decision to win the vacant IBF heavyweight title. This victory marked a turning point in Byrd’s career, as he solidified himself as one of the top heavyweights in the world.
Byrd’s reign as IBF champion lasted until 2006, during which time he successfully defended the title against top contenders such as Fres Oquendo and Jameel McCline. However, his reign came to an end in a rematch against Wladimir Klitschko in 2006. This time, Klitschko knocked out Byrd in the seventh round, cementing his dominance in the division and bringing their rivalry to a close.
Fighting Style and Approach
Chris Byrd’s style was a rarity in the heavyweight division. Standing just over 6 feet tall and weighing around 210 pounds in his prime, Byrd often found himself giving up significant size and power to his opponents. However, his slick defense, quick reflexes, and ring IQ allowed him to neutralize many of the larger, more powerful fighters he faced.
Byrd’s defensive style was rooted in his ability to make opponents miss and then counter with precision. He was a master of slipping punches, using head movement and footwork to frustrate his opponents and score points. While he lacked knockout power, Byrd’s ability to avoid damage and outbox his opponents earned him the nickname “Rapid Fire.”
Many of Byrd’s fights went the distance, as he preferred to win by decision rather than engage in slugfests. This approach earned him the respect of boxing purists but often left casual fans craving more action. Nevertheless, Byrd’s effectiveness as a defensive specialist cannot be denied.
Notable Fights and Legacy
In addition to his victories over Vitali Klitschko and Evander Holyfield, Byrd faced several other top heavyweights of his era. His 2004 fight against Andrew Golota ended in a controversial draw, with many fans feeling that Byrd had done enough to win. Byrd also fought David Tua, one of the most feared punchers of the time, in a bout where Byrd’s defensive skills once again shone through as he outboxed Tua to a unanimous decision victory.
Despite his successes, Byrd’s career was marked by a lack of recognition from the broader boxing public. His lack of knockout power, combined with his defensive style, meant that he was often overshadowed by more aggressive, power-punching heavyweights like Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, and the Klitschko brothers. However, for those who appreciated the technical side of the sport, Byrd was a master of his craft.
Byrd’s career began to wind down in the mid-2000s, and after his loss to Wladimir Klitschko in 2006, he struggled to regain his previous form. A brief, ill-fated attempt to drop down to the light heavyweight division in 2008 ended with a stoppage loss to Shaun George, and Byrd retired shortly thereafter.
Life After Boxing
Following his retirement, Byrd faced significant health challenges, including chronic pain and mobility issues stemming from years of fighting larger opponents. He was open about the toll that boxing had taken on his body, and he worked to raise awareness about the physical and mental health challenges faced by retired fighters.
Byrd has also remained involved in boxing, working as a trainer and mentor to younger fighters. His knowledge of the sport and defensive expertise has made him a valuable resource for up-and-coming boxers looking to improve their skills.
Legacy
Chris Byrd’s legacy in boxing is one of resilience, intelligence, and skill. He may not have had the size, power, or fanfare of some of his contemporaries, but his accomplishments in the heavyweight division speak for themselves. Byrd won world titles, defeated some of the best heavyweights of his era, and did so while giving up significant physical advantages to his opponents.
For boxing purists, Byrd represents the beauty of the "sweet science"—the ability to win fights with skill, strategy, and defense. His career serves as a reminder that boxing is not just about brute force but about technique and intelligence. While he may not be as celebrated as some of the heavyweight greats, Byrd’s contributions to the sport are undeniable.
Conclusion
Chris Byrd’s career may not have been filled with highlight-reel knockouts or flashy performances, but his success in the heavyweight division is a testament to his skill, determination, and defensive genius. As a two-time heavyweight champion, Byrd carved out a unique legacy in one of the most challenging weight classes in boxing, proving that brains can sometimes beat brawn in the ring.
Key Achievements:
Former IBF and WBO Heavyweight Champion
Defeated Vitali Klitschko, Evander Holyfield, and David Tua
Known for his defensive mastery and ring intelligence
Byrd’s place in boxing history is secure, not as a power puncher, but as a skilled tactician who used his mind and technique to outwit his opponents.
Chris Byrd is often overlooked in boxing history, but for those who have an understanding of the art of boxing, the technical aspect, the science, he is eye candy. His fight with the murderous punching David Tua is one of my favorite fights, Byrd put on a masterclass against a very dangerous opponent.
In what turned out to be a classic example of "styles making fights", the style of Chris Byrd was all wrong for David Tua. Byrd, the tricky - but also tough - southpaw, outboxed and outsmarted the heavy handed Tua for 12-rounds to win a well-deserved unanimous decision. This was not just a demonstration of the art of hitting and not being hit, it was also a demonstration of grit, determination, and inner strength on the part of the underdog Byrd. Tua did his best to put pressure on Byrd in every round. He dished out some heavy shots to the body, the sort of punches that weakened Hasim Rahman and led to Tua's 10th round stoppage of Rahman. But weaken Byrd? A little, yes, but not enough for Tua to be able to take control of the fight. Byrd admitted afterward that the body shots (which included some low blows) had taken a bit out of him, and he slowed down in the last two rounds, which Tua won on all three judges scorecards. But at that late stage of the fight, Tua needed to do more than win rounds - he needed to blast Byrd with big punches. And that, frankly, never looked close to happening. Even in the early rounds, when Tua was expected to be at his most dangerous, Byrd was in control of the fight. By the middle rounds, Byrd was outclassing Tua and almost playing with him. The pro-Byrd crowd that packed the New Cox Pavilion, next door to the Thomas & Mack center South of the famous Las Vegas strip, roared with delight as the southpaw knocked back Tua's head with straight lefts and, in the eighth, seemed to hurt Tua with left-hand drives to the body. Tua dropped his hands as if mocking Byrd's punching power, and sneered as if to say: "You can't hurt me." But Byrd was piling up points with his clean, accurate punching. It was obvious before the final bell that this wasn't going to be Tua's night.
Chris Byrd vs Evander Holyfield in 2002 was another great performance by the awkward, slick southpaw Byrd.
Byrd denies Holyfield title
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - Chris Byrd exposed Evander Holyfield as an aging fighter Saturday night, using his superior speed to frustrate the former champion and deny him a chance to win a heavyweight title for the fifth time.
Byrd resisted Holyfield's efforts to turn the fight into a brawl, making the 40-year-old Holyfield miss wildly throughout the fight to win a unanimous decision and the vacant IBF heavyweight title.
Even in the late rounds, Holyfield was game as desperation took hold and he threw big punches at Byrd in an effort to knock him out. But Byrd seldom let Holyfield get off a clean shot, and usually punished him with a flurry of punches in return.
In a fight that lacked the electricity and drama of most heavyweight title bouts, the left-handed Byrd threw punches from everywhere and landed many of them. Even a late rally by Holyfield that had the crowd standing on its feet after the 11th round failed to swing the tide.
"Now the world sees I can stay in there with the great heavyweights because I just beat one of them," Byrd said.
Two judges scored it 117-111 while a third had it 116-112. The Associated Press had Byrd winning 117-111.
The fight was for the IBF title that Lennox Lewis gave up rather than fight Byrd, a light-hitting former Olympic 168-pounder who likes to frustrate opponents rather than beat them up.
He did just that to Holyfield, who came in with suspect reflexes and only two wins in his last six fights.
Compubox statistics showed Byrd threw 747 punches to 344 for Holyfield, and landed 252 to 102 for the former four-time champion.
Neither fighter was down and neither was hurt, but Byrd landed far more punches and got out of the way when Holyfield tried to land a big hook or right hand.
After the fight ended, Byrd went over to Holyfield's corner and the two heavyweights who spent 12 rounds trying to hurt one another linked arms and prayed together.
"I got in there and fought for once," Byrd said. "I used my boxing skills to get around."
Holyfield was attempting to become the only fighter other than George Foreman to win a piece of the heavyweight title in his 40s. Foreman was 45 when he knocked out Michael Moorer in 1994 to win a title.
Holyfield complained to his corner after the seventh round that his shoulder was hurting, and he briefly switched to a left-handed style in the next round to throw right jabs.
"He threw more punches and he kept me off balance," Holyfield said. "I hurt my shoulder and I couldn't use my left hand. I could throw to the body, but that's it. And you know I like to throw left hooks."
Holyfield was trying to win a piece of the heavyweight title for a fifth time and put himself in line for a fight against the winner of the John Ruiz-Roy Jones Jr. WBA title fight March 1.
Even with the loss, he said his goal of winning all three major titles was still alive.
"It's still there and my goal is still to be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world," Holyfield said.
Holyfield (38-6-2) was clearly the crowd favorite in a fight that started slowly and soon developed a familiar pattern.
Whenever Holyfield caught Byrd on the ropes, the crowd would scream in delight. But many of his punches missed as Byrd dodged and darted on the ropes.
"He wasn't hurting me, but the crowd thought he was," Byrd said.
In the final two rounds, Byrd actually stood and traded punches with Holyfield despite taking a right uppercut in the 11th round that was Holyfield's best punch of the fight.
"There were so many naysayers saying I couldn't fight with these big guys," Byrd said. "I get a little more in shape, I think I can take them out."
Holyfield spent much of the early rounds throwing punches that hit nothing but air, as Byrd moved, ducked and took full advantage of the former champion's aging reflexes.
Holyfield began lunging at Byrd with his head, drawing a warning in the third round and complaints by Byrd between rounds.
"He's using his head like crazy," Byrd told his father and trainer, Joe, after the third round.
Holyfield finally cornered Byrd on the ropes in the fifth, landing a few punches to the head, then countering him with a right hand as the two exchanged punches in the middle of the ring.
"I wasn't able to be as aggressive as I would like," Holyfield said.
While the announced crowd of 8,543 roared with every Holyfield punch, but they were too few and far between.
As the rounds went on, Byrd's lead grew bigger and Holyfield's desperation became more apparent.
"You don't have any time to wait,"' trainer Don Turner told Holyfield as he stood in the corner before the 10th round.
Holyfield made $5 million for the title shot, while Byrd was paid $2.15 million, his biggest payday.
Holyfield was a 2-1 underdog, largely because he was expected to have trouble getting through Byrd's awkward style and delivering clean punches.
Holyfield never really wanted to fight Byrd, whose unorthodox style causes other fighters fits. But the lure of a fifth title proved too much, even though it was a title that Lewis sold to promoter Don King for $1 million and a Range Rover during an African tour.
Lewis, generally regarded as the top heavyweight in the world, was at ringside to watch one heavyweight he had beaten and another he didn't want to fight battle it out for the title he gave away.
Holyfield weighed 220 pounds, the second-heaviest he's been during his 45-fight career. With Byrd at 214 pounds, it was only the second time that Holyfield outweighed an opponent as a heavyweight.
"The Slip Master."
"Gentleman" Gerry Cooney on George Foreman:
“I fought a lot of them, but the hardest hitter was a guy I met right at the end of my career... George Foreman. He was just a powerful, powerful man. He wasn't too fast but his hands were so heavy — and he was extremely accurate with his combinations that night. But I wasn't a young kid when I fought Foreman, I was at the end of my career by then.”
Their clash came on January 15, 1990, in Atlantic City — a meeting between two of boxing’s most dangerous punchers. But the outcome was brutally one-sided.
The fight ended in violent fashion in round two, when Foreman unleashed a thunderous walking uppercut followed by a right hand that sent Cooney crashing to the canvas, sprawled and motionless. It was one of the most chilling knockouts of Foreman’s second career — a powerful reminder that, even at 41 years old, Big George possessed freakish power that could end a fight at any moment.
This fight was more than just another win for Foreman — it was the moment the boxing world began to take his comeback seriously. After a 10-year retirement and mounting skepticism, Foreman's performance against Cooney reignited belief that he could still hang with the best. Just four years later, at age 45, he'd go on to shock the world by knocking out Michael Moorer to reclaim the heavyweight title.
"He gave me a helluva fight. He deserves a return fight if he wants it." said world heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano after his thrilling, come-from-behind 15-round decision over game, undaunted Ezzard Charles in a savage scrap at Yankee Stadium in 1954.
"I want him again," snarled the battered, unfazed 32-year-old Charles. "I thought I won. I think I came closer to knocking him out than he did me. The next time it will be different."
The lean Cincinnati Cobra, who failed for the second time in an attempt to became the first ex-champion to regain the heavyweight crown, may get his chance in September.
"Charles is entitled to the return," said Al Weill, manager of the all-conquering Brockton Bruiser. "It was a great show and a great fight."
"It was as tough as my first fight with Jersey Joe Walcott, maybe tougher," said the 30-year-old unbeaten Marciano, who went 15 rounds for the first time in his career.
"So much has happened to me that nothing reaIIy affects me anymore. No matter what happens in Iife, if I'm not dying, what the f*** difference is any of this reaIIy gonna make to me? PeopIe have tattoos of me, name their children after me, which is great, and I'm very humbIed by that, but in the end, what's the difference in my Iife because of that? Nothing, I stiII gotta go on every day, or there's no food or heating in my house." - Vinny Paz
Johnny Risko, "The Cleveland Rubber Man," Heavyweight Contender. Don't let that smile fool you - Risko fought from 1922 - 1940, 120 fights, against anything and everything they put in front of him. He has one of the coolest nicknames in sports history, he was nicknamed that because of his ability to hellish punishment and still keep coming forward, punches just seemed to bounce off of him like rubber. He was also nicknamed "Baker Boy" because he was an actual Baker in Cleveland before becoming a boxer. He arrived in Cleveland at the age of 6 and attended school until he was 8 at which time he began working at a bakery. A friend eventually introduced the "Baker Boy" to "Dapper Danny" Dunn who became his trainer and manager. Risko soon became a local hero. I have to say, it's a disgrace Risko isn't in the Hall of Fame, his resume is outstanding. He fought 12 different Hall of Famers during his career, beating 7 of them. During his career, he beat Paul Berlenbach, Max Baer, Jack Sharkey, Paulino Uzcudun, Tommy Loughran twice, Jack Delaney, George Godfrey, and Mickey Walker. He has wins over every single one of those fighters and he's not in the Hall of Fame. That's a disgrace and a joke. In his fourth professional bout, Risko injured his right shoulder and from then on he counted on his aggressive style, competitiveness, and devastating left hook to win fights, he could also be a quite clever boxer.
Unfortunately there's no fight film of Johnny Risko, the only footage of Risko is a very poor quality short sparring session video. It's a shame because I would love to see "The Cleveland Rubber Man" in action.
Not many fight photos of Risko either, here is a photo of Risko blocking a right hand from Mickey Walker.
Tale of the tape between Risko and Jack Sharkey.
A photo of Risko jabbing Jack Sharkey and pinning him in the corner. "The Boston Gob" Jack Sharkey was a great fighter, one of the most technically sound boxers in heavyweight history.
Risko is a fascinating fighter, he was damn near impossible to knock down and out, fighters with granite chins are fascinating.
Excellent book about Johnny Risko.
Johnny Risko sparring in a crouch position in 1930.
A rare autographed postcard of Risko.
"The Cleveland Rubber Man", Johnny Risko in his prime.
On June 25, 1948 Joe Louis and “Jersey” Joe Walcott fought for the 2nd time in what many boxing historians and boxing writers refer to as Joe Louis’s last great fight. Joe Louis, “The Brown Bomber”, was attempting to avenge his disappointing and embarrassing victory over “Jersey” Joe Walcott on December 5, 1947. Many people thought that Louis had lost that fight, in which he was knocked down twice, and was awarded the decision for sentimental reasons. Louis in fact was so distraught that he attempted to leave the ring before the decision was announced, believing himself that he had lost the fight. Louis, by this stage of his career, had achieved legendary status in America and his popularity crossed racial lines.
Walcott and the boxing public demanded a rematch after Louis’s disappointing performance in the first fight. Louis, a very proud man, was only too happy to oblige. He wanted to make things right, not only for himself but for what he believed he owed to his legions of fans. On June 25, 1948 “Jersey” Joe Walcott challenged Joe Louis again for the Heavyweight Championship of the world. 42,000 boxing fans descended on Yankee Stadium to see if Louis could somehow recapture that old magic. Louis had the reputation of being invincible in rematches. When the fight started it was clear that the “Brown Bomber” was more focused and determined than in the first fight with “Jersey” Joe. Even so, Walcott scored a quick knockdown with his sneaky quick right hand lead in the 3rd round. Louis continued to pursue his pesky challenger, still unable to pull the trigger and deliver a meaningful blow that would slow Walcott down. As the rounds progressed, Walcott built up a lead on the scorecards, but still there was a feeling in the air that Louis would ultimately close the gap and deliver his famous KO punches as he had done so many times before. In the eleventh round Walcott, who had become cocky after the first fight, both with his comments and with his actions, began to mix it up with Louis. Walcott’s corner, aware that this was a dangerous route for him to take, had warned him against attempting to slug it out with the “Brown Bomber”. Finally Walcott made that one mistake, allowing Louis to land a terrific right hand to the jaw. “Jersey” Joe’s senses appeared to be short circuited by that right hand. You sensed when watching this that after Louis landed his first right hand it was all over for Walcott. Louis moved in and began raining in punch after devastating punch to “Jersey” Joe’s body and head. Walcott fell to the canvas and Louis shuffled back to his corner, as he had done countless times before, knowing his opponent was not going to beat the count. The victory for Louis was as satisfying as any of his previous victories. The film footage in Joe Louis’s dressing room after the fight is priceless. Mannie Seamon, Joe’s trainer, jokingly tells Joe that he got Walcott with his own left hook. Louis, always quick with a quip, chuckles and says that his right hand was pretty good as well. Louis would retire shortly after the fight with Walcott with a record of sixty one wins and one loss, which he had suffered twelve years prior in the first Schmeling fight. Of the sixty victories Joe scored, fifty two came by way of KO. This is the Joe Louis that boxing fans prefer to remember, before he was forced out of retirement due to financial problems with the IRS. The fight with Walcott was indeed Joe Louis’ last great fight.
Louis vs Walcott II was indeed Joe Louis' last great fight, it is a thing of beauty watching Louis methodically stalk his opponents, looking for that opening, and the unleashing hell. Louis is the greatest puncher this sport has ever known.
"You hit Oscar Bonavena and it's like giving food to a hungry man or electricity to a bulb. A punch to any part of Bonavena's body generates his desire to go on charging, punching and asking for more, and that is, believe me, discouraging. This, mule of a man violates in his own peculiar way, the most basic of boxing. He doesn't follow at all the 'I-hit-you-you-don't-hit-me' rationale. His philosophy seems to be, 'You hit me and I hit you, let's see who falls first. The trouble with Bonavena is that getting hit doesn't concern him at all; to the contrary, it appears as if your punches give him energy. So his theory is more; 'Hit me and you generate my power, then I give you pain." - Jose Torres
Oscar "Ringo" Bonavena is another one of boxing's most interesting characters. He was nicknamed "Ringo" because early in his career he had a haircut like Ringo Starr, the famous drummer for The Beatles. Bonavena lived a wild life, he lived fast and died young. He was shot and killed at 33 years old at the Mustang Ranch brothel in Nevada in 1976. His career featured hard-fought battles against legends like Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali, and a volatile public life that mirrored his wild fighting style, ending in a dramatic death linked to the brothel's owner. The quote by Jose Torres in the above post is very accurate, Bonavena was a brutal man in the ring, extremely powerful. He was also called "The Bull", Bonavena earned that nickname for his mauling, hard-hitting style and ability to take punches, getting hit didn't seem to bother him, rather it fueled him. I've watched plenty of footage of Bonavena and he reminds you of a charging bull, I imagine his opponents felt like Matadors trying to deal with him, Bonavena was a rough customer, he was built like a tank, he was an exceptionally tough boxer, famous for going the distance in two hard-fought fights with Joe Frazier. Bonavena is best remembered for two grueling battles with Joe Frazier and for his 15th-round TKO loss to Muhammad Ali in 1970, where Ali was quoted as saying he'd never "wanted to whup a man so bad. " He was also known for his volatile personality and psychological warfare, even taunting Ali before their fight by calling him a racial slur and other insults. He had a reputation for living life on the edge, flying planes without a license, and having a boorish personality that sometimes led to trouble outside the ring. Bonavena was shot and killed at the Mustang Ranch brothel in Reno, Nevada, after a heated dispute with the brothel's owner, Joe Conforte, possibly stemming from a suspected affair with Conforte's wife. A security guard was convicted of manslaughter for the shooting, receiving a 15-month sentence. Despite a relatively short career, Bonavena remains a legendary figure in Argentine boxing history, remembered as a wild, brave, and larger-than-life character whose life and death were as dramatic as his fights.
Bonavena was a handful for anyone that stepped in the ring with him, he fought Joe Frazier twice and went the distance both times, he went a total of 25 rounds with Frazier.
In their first fight in 1966, the unbeaten Joe Frazier escaped disaster and survived two early knockdowns to defeat Bonavena by 10 round split decision at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Frazier predictably came forward to open the fight, but Bonavena caught him and sent him to the canvas before anyone could even settle into the fight in round 2. Frazier got up and was clipped again, going down once more. The fight would have been automatically stopped had Frazier hit the canvas again, but he recovered and survived the round.
The popular narrative of the fight is that Frazier was lucky to survive and struggled throughout. But the truth is round 2 was Bonavena's chance to change history and he blew it. Frazier took a round or so to recover and then went to work on Bonavena.
Bonavena's awkwardness, his rough charging, wild swinging style, gave Frazier issues in most rounds, but Frazier overcame early trouble to win a deserved decision. The knockdowns are what most boxing fans remember, however because it was a rare sight to see Frazier on the deck, but like I said before, Bonavena was rough.
Oscar Bonavena fought Muhammad Ali in 1970, Ali won the fight, memorably scoring a last round stoppage, it was the only time in Bonavena's career he was stopped. But Bonavena's clowning got under the skin of "The Greatest."
As both fighters were at Madison Square Garden for their physicals ahead of the fight, Bonavena trash talked Ali and made faces at him. One of the moments in particular is immortalized with a statue of Bonavena making the face at Ali, the statue sits in the stands in the Club Atlético Huracán futbol stadium in Buenos Aires.
The fight between Bonavena and Ali was a great battle, fight of the year stuff, Bonavena really roughed Ali up and gave him hell, but Ali isn't called "The Greatest" for nothing.
The Fight City
Dec. 7, 1970: Ali vs Bonavena
By: Robert Portis
You can take issue with his politics, label him a braggart and a loudmouth, make an inventory of all the lucky breaks he got, and even insist the Sonny Liston fights were fixed and his wins over Norton, Young and Shavers were gift decisions. But what you can never do is question the competitive spirit and fighting heart of Muhammad Ali. In 1970 there was only one reason for the undefeated former champ to dare to take on iron-tough Oscar Bonavena after just a single fight in almost four years, and that was to prove to the world that he was — despite the many months of inactivity and the widespread recognition of Joe Frazier as boxing’s new heavyweight champ — still the king, still “The Greatest.”
In his first bout after a 40 month layoff, Ali defeated Jerry Quarry.
At his peak, before he refused to be drafted into the military and was forced into exile, Ali was a heavyweight boxer of extraordinary quickness and agility, but when he returned to action in 1970, much of that quickness was gone. But his competitive instincts were not the least bit inhibited. Consider that Ali’s very first match after a layoff of more than forty months was against Jerry Quarry, the top contender for the title, a skilled counterpuncher with a deadly left hook. Ali looked sharp in the opening round in Atlanta, but as early as the second the effects of his long absence from the ring surfaced as the pace slowed and Ali’s timing lagged. It may have been fortunate for Ali that Quarry sustained a cut in round three that was so deep the match was immediately halted.
Meanwhile the behind-the-scenes struggle to fully restore Ali’s right to ply his trade continued and indeed a court order had to be secured before “The Louisville Lip” could lace up the gloves and battle Bonavena in New York’s Madison Square Garden, just six weeks after the win over Quarry. Again, there was no urgent reason for Ali to take this fight. He could have bided his time, beat up a soft touch or two to get himself back into peak condition, and let the anticipation build for the huge showdown to come with Joe Frazier.
But Ali was a warrior, and no one had given Frazier a tougher battle than Bonavena. And it’s important to remember that for many, Ali was still the true champion. After all, he was still undefeated. Facing anything less than genuine threats, legit top contenders, would have undermined his claim to being the rightful ruler of the heavyweights. Quarry had been, at worst, the number two contender in the world. Bonavena was a few notches lower, but he had given Frazier a pair of tough battles, even knocking Joe down in their first clash in 1966. Ali’s intent was clear: a dominant victory over Bonavena would bolster the argument that he was the true heavyweight king.
Easier said than done, however. The Argentinian strongman may have been crude, but he was tough and powerful, and completely unintimidated by the boxer he insisted on calling “Clay.” In addition to having given Frazier two tough scraps, he had gone the distance with Jimmy Ellis, beaten two past opponents of Ali in Karl Mildenberger and Zora Folley, and boasted a win over highly regarded Leotis Martin. Simply put, Bonavena was dangerous. Even so, the odds-makers saw him as a six-to-one underdog, but the match had enough intrigue to bring a near sell-out crowd to Madison Square Garden and make the turnstiles sing at some 150 closed-circuit theaters.
For Bonavena’s part, he wasn’t the least bit impressed by all the hoopla and attention and when the fighters held court with the press, Ali, to his surprise, found himself on the defensive in terms of pre-fight trash talk. The Argentinian mocked him incessantly, calling him a “chicken” for refusing to be drafted, while continually chirping, “Clay! Clay!” None of this was a stretch for Oscar, an insufferably arrogant pugilist who refused to listen to trainers and enjoyed abusing sparring partners. Clearly taken aback, Ali announced he had never wanted so badly to punish an opponent and predicted “Ringo,” who had never been stopped, would succumb by round nine.
But if admirers of “The Louisville Lip” were hoping to once again see the balletic, swiftly moving Ali who had dazzled Sonny Liston and then eight consecutive title challengers before his championship was taken from him, they were no doubt dismayed. This was the new, post-exile version of Ali: markedly slower, heavier on his feet, and, at times, there to be hit. So turgid was his performance in the early going that ringside commentator Howard Cosell could not hide his disappointment. “No sign yet of the Ali skills,” moaned a nostalgic Howard at the end of round one, adding, “the old Ali skills.”
Bonavena is warned in round one to keep his punches up.
In retrospect, no one should have been surprised this was the case. Three-and-a-half years away from serious training and competition had to take its toll, but if it was easy to visualize the Ali of 1965 bewildering Bonavena with constant movement and blazing speed, the 1970 version allowed for plenty of action, just of a different stripe. Instead of kinetic brilliance, Ali vs Bonavena offered fans an entertaining heavyweight donnybrook, with plenty of rough stuff and both men taking their share of punishment. It defied expectations and it had its lulls, but it certainly was not lacking for action.
It took a couple of rounds for the proceedings to get underway in earnest, but by round three a surprisingly flat-footed Ali had warmed up and was letting his hands go, while Ringo paused just long enough from attempts to nail his opponent in the groin to throw some wild right hands at Ali’s head. The pace quickened in the fourth with both getting home cleaner blows, and for the first time Ali absorbed one of Oscar’s looping rights flush on the chin, a predictable result of Ali’s former cat-like reflexes and unceasing movement being conspicuously absent. That said, Bonavena had yet to win a round.
Perhaps aware he was failing to fulfill expectations, in the fifth Ali began to dance, but the footwork of 1970 was a pale imitation of the astonishing moves he had busted in years past, and not swift enough to evade all of Bonavena’s crude attacks. Seemingly bored and looking to spice things up, Muhammad landed a series of desultory body jabs before Oscar made him pay for his nonchalance with a solid left hook to the chops just before the bell.
“Ali simply does not look good,” wailed Cosell.
In round six Muhammad gave the crowd more dancing, albeit in a sluggish style, but this was the first round which Oscar unequivocally won, as he landed virtually all of the meaningful blows. Ali rebounded in the seventh as the fighters traded at close quarters, his left hand snapping Bonavena’s head back repeatedly, but the eighth was grueling warfare, the Argentinian working to get inside as Ali struggled to keep him at bay, timely clinching his chief mode of defense, in addition to his sturdy chin.
Then came the ninth, the round Ali had promised would be the last, the crowd coming alive, hoping for something remarkable. It began with Ali slipping to the canvas as he threw a left hook, and then the fireworks came, not from Ali, but from “Ringo,” as he landed a series of thudding shots to the head that clearly hurt “The Greatest.” A toe-to-toe slugfest ensued: Bonavena was stunned by a left uppercut that snapped his head back and Ali came on, launching one big shot after another, before the Argentinian then connected with the best punch of the battle thus far, a vicious left hook to the jaw that turned Ali’s legs to jelly. The former dancing master clinched and wrestled to avoid further punishment and was grateful to hear the bell.
The awkward “Ringo” tests Ali’s chin.
Ali would later recall this moment to authors Felix Dennis and Don Atyeo for their 2003 book, Muhammad Ali: The Glory Years: “In that ninth round I got hit by a hook harder than Frazier could ever throw,” recalled Ali. “Numb! Like I was numb all over. Shock and vibrations is all I felt, that’s how I knew I was alive. Even my toes felt the vibrations.”
And yet it was Ali who appeared the fresher man in round ten and he took the round handily, even as Cosell orated unceasingly on his disappointment with his performance. “Where is the old head-slipping of punches? Where is that movement … the rapier-like left jab?” No one, it seemed, was appreciating Ali’s stamina as he continued to set a swift pace in round eleven, nor did he receive credit for his astonishing durability as Bonavena landed some of his heaviest artillery in this round and Ali immediately answered back with his own shots.
In round twelve the pace slowed but there was still no lack of action as the heavyweights stayed largely at ring center and slung leather, Ali connecting with the cleaner blows. By this point it was clear Bonavena needed a knockout to win, but on the rare occasions he could corner his man or get inside, Ali clinched to bring the action to a halt. And while both men were tiring, it was in fact Ali’s punches which had more snap.
Indeed, Ali’s stamina was something to behold, as he began round fourteen up on his toes and circling the ring. But now the crowd was booing the lack of excitement as the match appeared headed to a lopsided and anti-climactic points win for Ali. But “The Greatest” had saved the best for last. Midway through round fifteen he caught Bonavena coming in with a perfectly timed left hook, flush on the chin, and the Argentinian tumbled to the floor.
Oscar rose but that single blow, with all of Ali’s 212 pounds behind it, had drained what was left of Bonavena’s resolve. No doubt aware the three knockdown rule was in effect, Ali then refused to go to a neutral corner and pounced on a noodle-legged Bonavena the second he arose. Two more knockdowns followed and the match was automatically over, Ali becoming the first, and only, man to ever defeat the incredibly tough Argentinian inside the distance.
A dazed Bonavena tries in vain to stay upright.
It had been a grueling, though largely one-sided battle, and in retrospect all the criticism of Muhammad Ali’s performance was vastly unfair. Bonavena may not have been in Ali’s class in terms of skill, but he remained a dangerous fighter, powerful and tough. For Ali to withstand his challenge and fight on into the championship rounds with as much energy as he did, and at a pace that puts to shame most heavyweight matches of recent vintage, is tribute to his athletic gifts and fighting spirit. Indeed, taking into consideration the long layoff and Bonavena’s proven ruggedness and strength, this has to stand as one of Ali’s most gutsy and impressive performances.
Indeed, it was good enough to prompt the Argentinian to briefly put aside his habitual arrogance to give credit where it was due. “I strong,” he told Ali, “but you stronger. Frazier never win you.” He then announced that his conqueror was definitely “no chicken.”
The end of the battle.
And if Ali did in fact disappoint those with visions in their head of “The Greatest” resurrecting the extraordinary athletic prowess of his younger, pre-exile self, that disappointment affected not at all the massive, worldwide anticipation for what was to follow. The stage was set; there was no need for further preliminaries. Now it was time for nothing less than the most-watched sporting event in human history, the first clash in a legendary rivalry, that monumental battle between undefeated champions for the undisputed heavyweight crown. Time for Ali vs Frazier, Part One, “The Fight Of The Century.” — Robert Portis
This is one of the great boxing photos right here, Bonavena launching a brutal right hand that catches Ali right at his throat, just look where that punch landed.
Got some more great photos of Bonavena, showcasing his brutality.
God, Bonavena was built like a Fire truck.
A few non-fight photos of Bonavena.
Bonavena in horseback, smoking his cigar.
Bonavena used to smoke these filter tip cigars.
Bonavena when he had the mop top Ringo Starr haircut which led to his nickname "Ringo."
Bonavena trying to get in Ali's head.
A young Bonavena points to a painting of George Washington.
Bonavena after his first fight with Joe Frazier.
Great book about the wild life of Oscar Bonavena.
The brutality of Oscar "Ringo" Bonavena.
Hilton Edward "Eddie" Booker, was more than just a boxer—he was a feared force of nature who dominated an era but never received the spotlight he deserved. Fighting in the 1930s and 1940s, Booker was a member of the legendary "Murderers' Row," a group of extraordinary black boxers whose talent was so feared that many top fighters of the time actively avoided facing them.
Nicknamed “Black Dynamite, ” by all accounts, Booker was a complete fighter, one who could bang or box depending on the situation. And he did both well. He had exceptional defensive skills and a rock-solid chin to go with it. He was never stopped, despite fighting the best fighters of his day.
Booker's record speaks volumes about his brilliance: 66 wins, 5 losses, and 8 draws, including legendary bouts with some of boxing’s greatest names. He battled Holman Williams to a stalemate in their trilogy, knocked out the iconic Archie Moore—becoming the first man to do so—and fought titans like Lloyd Marshall, Cocoa Kid, and Jack Chase. Despite these feats, like every member of Murderers' Row, he was denied a shot at the world title due to racial barriers in the sport.
Even Archie Moore, one of the greatest champions in boxing history, held Booker in the highest regard, calling him a “fighting machine” and recalling their clashes as some of the toughest of his career. Moore once said, “When I was in my prime, one of my toughest fights had to have been against Eddie Booker, who shot out punches with deft precision. He had me fighting for dear life.”
Booker’s career was tragically cut short due to an eye injury, worsened by an opponent’s doctored glove—which left him blind later in life. Still, his legacy endures, cemented by his posthumous induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2017.
Eddie Booker’s story is one of resilience, unrecognized greatness, and fighting against the odds—both in the ring and in life. Despite the injustices he faced, his name stands tall among the legends of boxing.
I've been searching ebay for literally years, looking for a photo of Eddie Booker to purchase, and nothing has surfaced. Only a handful of known photos even exist of him, it's a shame because he's an all-time great and absolute legend in boxing history and I would love to own a type 1 photo or something. Any kind of collectibles of the murderers' row fighters is extremely rare and difficult to find. This is a photo of Eddie Booker on the left, talking with Fred Apostoli, "The fighting Bellhop", an all-time great middleweight himself. A lot of greatness in this photo, that's for sure.
The great Eddie Booker, "Black Dynamite."
Tyson Fury licks the blood from Deontay Wilder's neck.
In their February 22, 2020 heavyweight showdown, Tyson Fury dominated Deontay Wilder throughout the fight, never allowing Wilder to get his deadly right hand off. Fury scored two knockdowns and opened up a cut inside Wilder's ear that began to bleed. In the 7th round, Fury pinned Wilder in the corner and during a clinch, he savagely licked blood from Wilder's neck. Wilder's team threw in the towel not long after.
Ben Villaflor, iron chinned, heavy handed jr. lightweight, super featherweight champion, fought from 1966 to 1976.
THE PHILIPPINE HAWAIIAN
“When I was 13, I worked on a rubber plantation in the Philippines. I woke up at 5 o’clock in the morning, walked two miles to work, and only earned 15 pesos per month. When I started boxing, I scored a knockout in my first fight. I earned 20 pesos. Twenty pesos for three minutes of work! I decided, I like this job!” - Ben Villaflor
He was a buzzsaw southpaw born in the Philippines who boxed mostly out of Hawaii and made his mark in the early 1970’s. He was a boy wonder who could punch like hell. That power would make him a two time world champion. He was born in November of 1952 and turned pro in 1966. Do the math. He won his first twelve professional contests but then lost a pair of decisions to Roger Boy Pedrano. Although he won most of his fights after that, an occasional loss spotted his record.
Ben made his move in 1970 with a KO over highly regarded Don Johnson. In 1971 he halted former featherweight title challenger Raul Cruz in the tenth. In 1972 he stopped another featherweight challenger in rugged Frankie Crawford. He also took out the respected Jose Luis Lopez in two rounds. On April 25, 1972 Villafor outscored Alfredo Marcano to win the WBA junior lightweight championship. Ben was only 19 years old at the time.
He had a tough first defense with a disputed draw against the talented and capable Victor Echegary. In 1973 he lost the title to the slick Kuniaki Shibata. Seven months later Ben met Shibata again. This time he flattened Shibata in one round to regain the title. In 1974 he drew with the hard luck Apollo Yoshio and he blasted out future champion Yasutsune Uehara in the second. Successful defences against Korea’s Hyun Chi Kim (SD 15) and Japan’s Morito Kashiwaba (KO 13) followed.
In 1976 Ben drew with the clever Puerto Rican challenger Samuel Serrano. Six months later Serrano soundly outboxed Villaflor over fifteen rounds to win by unanimous decision to become champion. Without a title and with no more horizons to conquer, Ben retired, one month shy of his 24th birthday.
“I was forced to retire from boxing when I was 24 because of my elbow. It shattered from hitting too hard. The doctor told me, ‘If you keep fighting, later you will have no elbow.’ It was a hard decision to quit.”
“My first job after boxing was selling cars. It was a hard job because I couldn’t lie. I would say, This car is no good!”
Nowadays Villaflor is the Sergeant At Arms for the Hawaii State Senate, a position to which he is appointed by a vote of the Senate each year.
He squeezed in 68 pro bouts into his short but fabled career. His final ledger 56-6-6 stands at with 31 career KO’s. Ben Villaflor was the Manny Pacquaio of his time.